Rome PD vs. FD: Making baskets for books

Friday

Dec 6, 2013 at 8:35 PM

Hundreds turned out Friday night to the Basketball for Books game at Lyndon H. Strough Middle School in Rome to see the Rome Police Department play the Fire Department to raise money for literacy programs. The Rome Chamber of Commerce and Rome City School District put on the event as a fundraiser to create more community bookshelves throughout the city.

When the good guys play the good guys, whom do you root for? Both.

"You've got to support both teams," said Alice Grant of Rome.

Grant was one of hundreds who turned out Friday night to the Basketball for Books game at Lyndon H. Strough Middle School in Rome to see the Rome Police Department play the Fire Department to raise money for literacy programs.

The Rome Chamber of Commerce and Rome City School District put on the event as a fundraiser to create more community bookshelves throughout the city.

The bookshelves are part of the Literacy Coalition of Herkimer and Oneida Counties' campaign to have students reading on grade level by third grade—there are nearly 20 bookshelves across the two counties where anyone can borrow, keep or donate books.

"It's about doing it for the kids," said Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach.

The departments were familiar with playing basketball against each other as they used to play in a league and still occasionally play for fun.

"We're all friends here," said Deputy Fire Chief Mark Kohlbrenner. "We'll do anything for the community."

The event included raffles, a foul shot contest, musical performances and a K9 demonstration from the police.

Debbie Grogan, chair of the Rome Chamber Education Committee said she was amazed at the turnout and they might even do another basketball event. "We're very excited," she said.

Tyler Hanright, 11, of Rome, plays basketball and wanted to watch the game, though he didn't have one team he was rooting for over the other.

"They're both home," he said.

Community bookshelves locations

Books that can be borrowed or kept are on shelves throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties.

*In Utica: Sabatino's Deli on Whitesboro Street, Oneida County Office Building Department of Social Services waiting room and the Save-A-Lot grocery store on Oneida Street.